Post by fan1 on Feb 27, 2021 4:43:11 GMT -5
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ELON, N.C. – The Elon University football team and head coach Tony Trisciani announced the addition of Jim Collins '74 to the Phoenix's coaching staff on Thursday, Feb. 25.
"I'm very excited to welcome Jim Collins and his wife Yvonne Knutson to our football family," said Trisciani. "I really appreciate Jim's willingness to jump on board so quicky and help us finish this unique spring season. He is the most knowledgeable and experienced football coach in our building having won six SEC Championships and a National Championship at Florida."
Collins previously served as the Football Analyst at Duke University in 2019. During the 2019 campaign, Collins helped the Duke offense averaged 329.7 yards per game and compiled 37 total touchdowns, while registering 40+ points in three-straight outings, and in four-of-five consecutive games. On the defensive side of the ball, the Blue Devils ranked third in the ACC in pass defense, allowing just 199.0 passing yards per game. Duke's pass defense efficiency rating was also top-five in the conference at 123.8.
Collins served as the Blue Devils' Director of Football Relations & Special Assistant to the Head Coach from 2016-18 and as an assistant coach with the Blue Devils under head coach David Cutcliffe from 2008-15 . He also spent two seasons as an assistant coach in the NFL at Washington (2002-03). Collins was also a member of Steve Spurrier's (1987-89) and Steve Sloan's (1983; 1985-86) coaching staff with the Blue Devils.
In addition to his tenures at Duke, Collins' college football coaching career includes stints at Marshall (2004-06), Florida (1990-01), Jacksonville State (1984), Appalachian State (1981-82) and Lees-McRae (1980).
A 1974 Elon graduate, Collins has participated in 19 bowl games including the 1989 All American, 1992 Sugar, 1992 Gator, 1994 Sugar, 1995 Sugar, 1996 Fiesta, 1997 Sugar, 1998 Citrus, 1999 Orange, 2000 Citrus, 2001 Sugar, 2002 Orange, 2004 Fort Worth, 2012 Belk, 2013 Chick-fil-A, 2014 Hyundai Sun, 2015 New Era Pinstripe, 2017 Quick Lane and 2018 Walk-On's independence. Of note, his 12-year tenure at Florida featured 122 victories, six SEC championships, 11 bowl games and the 1996 national title.
Collins will be taking the position on the coaching staff being vacated by former cornerbacks coach Chris Bland '08, who is leaving the coaching profession to pursue a career opportunity outside of college football.
